Researchers believe that dystonia results from an abnormality in or damage to the basal ganglia or other brain regions that control movement. There may be abnormalities in the brain’s ability to process a group of chemicals called neurotransmitters that help cells in the brain communicate with each other.
There also may be abnormalities in the way the brain processes information and generates commands to move. In most cases, no abnormalities are visible using magnetic resonance imaging or other diagnostic imaging. The exact cause of dystonia is not known, but several factors may play a role, including:
- Genetics: Dystonia can be inherited, and certain genetic mutations have been linked to specific forms of the disorder.
- Brain injury or damage: Traumatic brain injury, stroke, or other forms of brain damage can cause dystonia.
- Certain medical conditions and Infections: These may include Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Wilson’s disease and Brain tumor or certain disorders that develop in some people with cancer (paraneoplastic syndromes).
- Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins, such as drugs or environmental pollutants, can cause dystonia.
- Certain medicines, like neuroleptics, anti-emetics, and antidepressants
- Idiopathic: In many cases, the cause of dystonia is unknown and referred to as idiopathic dystonia.
Complications
Depending on the type of dystonia, complications can include:
- Physical disabilities that affect your performance of daily activities or specific tasks
- Difficulty with vision that affects your eyelids
- Difficulty with jaw movement, swallowing or speech
- Pain and fatigue, due to constant contraction of your muscles
- Depression, anxiety and social withdrawal
It’s important to note that the underlying cause of dystonia can vary greatly depending on the type of dystonia and individual. If you’re experiencing symptoms of dystonia, it’s best to speak with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.